Spacing device for containers



Feb. 21, 1933. 5 TAYLQR 1,898,509

SPACING DEVICE FOR CONTAINERS Filed July 16, 1931 2 Sheets-Sheet l Q C)C) C) C) Q 0 V In I fl (a f Inventor a fz'yel Twyla];

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Feb. 2 1, 1933. s. TAYLOR 1,898,509

SPACING DEVICE FOR CONTAINERS Filed July 16, 1951 2 Sheets-Sheet 2' /7Inventor $52762 ik UZW,"

Patented Feb. 21, 1933 UNITED STATES SIGEL TAYLOR, OF LITTLE ROCK,ARKANSAS SPACING DEVICE FOR CONTAINERS Application filed July 16, 1931.Serial No. 551,268.

This invention relates to certain new and useful improvements andrefinements embodied in the method and means of more satisfactorilyhandling cartons, containers and the like in transporting and shippingmerchandise.

More explicitly related, the invention comprehends simple and economicaldevices serving as spacers and supporting means between adjacentcartons, boxes, receptacles or the like, either in single orsuperimposed relationship as required by post office departments,railway express agencies or other common carries, in order to preventsuffocation because of the lack of air circulation and appropriateventilation.

It is a matter of common knowledge that the present way of fulfillingthe requirements of this particular service is to place spacing blocks,wooden strips between the vertically spaced superimposed boxes andcartons. This is a rather unreliable and disorderly method ofaccomplishing this seemingly important task. Frequently the stripsutilized as spacing elements are of proportions so large with respect tothe containers themselves as to impede the free circulation of air,thereby failing to fulfill the desired purposes.

lVith the foregoing objections and revelations in mind, I have evolvedand produced what I believe to be an innovation in this particular lineof endeavor and my idea utilizes a simple and economical spacing bracketor fixture which allows for free circulation and ventilation andprovides the desired dependable superposed relationship between thestacked boxes.

The specific physical features of the improved fixtures will become morereadily apparent from the following description and drawings. In thedrawings:

Figure 1 is an elevational view disclosing a pair of the brackets inuse.

Figure 2 is a view in section and elevation showing the method in whichthe bracket is partially anchored in place.

Figure 3 is a view showing the bracket securely anchored by clenchingthe retention tongues.

Figure 4 is a viewshowing the assembly of four of the spacers.

Figure 5 is a plan view ofthe metal blank from which the fixture isformulated.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary end View showing a slight modification of theidea.

Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 6 of still another modified form ofthe invention.

Each device is distinguished by the reference numeral 7 and theaperturedshipping and storing carton or box is designated by the numeral8. I have shown two of these boxes in Figure 1 with the spacersinterposed therebetween to provide the desired vertically spacedsuperposed Ventilating relationship. The devices 7 are securely fastenedto the lids of the boxes. Each device is formed from a single blank orstrip of metal bent into U-shaped portions, the bight portion beingdesignated by the numeral 9 and the arms by the numeral 10.

These arms have outwardly and laterally bent terminals 11 forming restsor feet and it is from these portions 11 that the retaining tongues arestruck. For example, as seen in Figure 5 there is a diagonal cut formedat 12, and spaced parallel cuts formed at the points 13 defining a pairof bendable triangular tongues. These are bent down at so right angleson the score or fold lines 14 so that they occupy the penetratingrelationship shown inFigures 2 and 3.

These serve as spurs and may be forced through the cardboard of the box,or the box canbe especially fitted to facilitate insertion of theretaining tongues. After the tongues penetrate the box they are clinchedor bent against the underside of the box as repre-v s-ented in Figure 3.Consequently, the U shaped handle-like spacers are permanently attachedto the corner or adjacent portion of the lid of each box, allowing theboxes to be stacked one upon the other in the spaced relationshiprepresented in Figure 1.

The same general principle is utilized in the arrangement disclosed inFigure 6, wherein the bight portion of the U-shaped part is designatedby the numeral 15, one of the arms by the numeral 16, and the lateralfoot by the numeral 17 The numerals 18 designate the fold or bend line.

The foot 17 is here shown as provided with a single pointed struck-outtongue 19 adapted to be bent at right angles to the foot to allow it topenetrate the cover of the container in an obvious manner.

That form of the invention shown in Figure 7 the foot 17 is providedwith a pair of pointed struck out tongues 19, the tongues 19 beingbendable at right angles to the foot on a line transverse of the footadjacent the end edge of the foot as will be apparent from a study ofthe said figure.

It is thought that the description taken in connection with the drawingswill enable a clear understanding of the invention to be had. Therefore,a more lengthly description is thought unnecessary.

While the preferred embodiment of the in vention has been shown anddescribed, it is to be understood that minor changes coming within thefield of invention claimed may be resorted to if desired withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. As a new product of manufacture, a spacing and ventilating device ofthe class described comprising a member of substantially invertedU-shape having a substantially fiat bight for contacting a member whichis to be spaced from another member, the extremities of the limbs of theU-shaped member being bent at substantially right angles and extending arelatively short distance to form feet and tongues punched from saidfeet for penetrating a part of said other member, after which thetongues are bent to fasten the feet to said other member.

2. Means for spacing a pair of containers placed one upon another, thelower container having a lid having ventilating openings in its top,comprising a number of spacers, each of which is independent of theothers and is of substantially inverted U-shape with a substantiallyflat bight for engaging a part of the bottom of the upper container,with the extremities of its limbs bent substantially at right anglesoutwardly and extending a relatively short distance to form feet forresting on the lid of the under container, each foot having a pair oftongues punched therefrom to penetrate the lid after which the tonguesare bentin opposite directions to lock the foot to the lid.

In testimony whereof I afi ix my signature.

SIGEL TAYLOR.

